Surgical Services

Related Services

Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital has continually tailored its programs and services to meet the specific needs of the community. With expert surgeons and operating room staff, upgraded surgical suites and the most advanced technology including robotic surgery, Suburban is sure to meet and even exceed your needs for outpatient ambulatory surgery, outpatient minor surgery and inpatient surgery.

Pre-Admission Testing

Patients are scheduled for pre-admission testing approximately one week prior to surgery and receive a physical examination and any necessary tests like blood work, urinalysis, chest X-ray or an EKG. A complete medical history will also be taken at this time. The anesthesia department will then review test results to help determine the patient's state of health.

Below is a helpful checklist to ensure the pre-admission appointment is an effective and productive one for everyone involved.

Write down questions or concerns when you think of them, and bring them in for discussion with the nurse practitioner.

Bring your health insurance information.

Pre-admission Testing (PAT)

Bring a list of current medications, including over-the-counter and herbal products.

Review current medications with the nurse to learn which medications you should and should not take prior to surgery.

If you are under age 18, a parent or legal guarding must accompany you.

Be prepared to spend about 90 minutes for your pre-admission visit.

Surgery times are subject to change. Please provide an alternate telephone number where you can be reached should your scheduled surgery time change.

Planning Ahead

For patients undergoing outpatient surgery, driving themselves home is not permitted after surgery if any type of sedation is administered. Please make sure that someone will drive you home after surgery.

It is also recommended that someone remain with you at your home overnight because the effects of anesthesia may last up to 24 hours.

Health Care Proxy or Living Will

A Health Care Proxy or Living Will is a statement that outlines the medical treatment you prefer - and the name of the person you trust to make health care decisions for you - if you can no longer speak for yourself. If you have one, please bring a copy with you. If you do not have one, you will receive a health proxy form during pre-admission testing or click here to complete one prior to your appointment. http://www.health.ny.gov/forms/doh-1430.pdf

Food and Drink

Eat a normal evening meal the day before your surgery, unless directed otherwise, but DO NOT eat or drink anything after midnight – including gum or mints.

Smoking

DO NOT smoke the evening prior to or the morning of your surgery. Smoking causes bronchial irritation and may increase the likelihood of breathing problems during and after anesthesia.

Alcohol

DO NOT drink alcohol for at least two days prior to surgery.

Medication

Routine heart, breathing or blood pressure medications should be taken as prescribed with a small sip of water on the day of your surgery. Inform your nurse about the medications you have taken. Medications such as insulin and inhalers should be brought with you.

Begin avoiding the use of aspirin or Motrin/ibuprofen products at least 10 days prior to surgery. If you take aspirin or Coumadin daily, you must talk to your physician before discontinuing the medication.

Notify your physician if you are taking diet suppressant medication and follow the directions you are given.

Pregnancy

Notify your surgeon immediately if you suspect you might be pregnant. Anesthesia and medications may be harmful to a developing fetus.

Changes in Your Health

Report any changes in your health to your surgeon, even minor changes such as a persistent cough, cold or fever.

It is normal to feel anxious before surgery. Keep in mind that our surgical teams are experts who have performed surgical procedures many times. Feel free to ask any questions, and take comfort in knowing that your safe, successful operation is our highest priority. We care about your physical, mental and emotional well-being.

Knowing that any surgical procedure can cause anxiety, the operating room staff does everything it can to make the process as easy and comfortable as possible. The surgical team also provides comprehensive, easy to understand education on the day of surgery. After discharge if requested, patients are called again to check on their progress and answer any questions they may have regarding their surgery.

The department also coordinates the admission of all surgical patients (ambulatory, minor surgery, and overnight surgery) and can be used as a resource for common questions prior to a procedure.

Many of the surgical staff are nationally certified in their specialty.

Hours of Operation24 hours a day, as needed

Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery

The Center for Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery at Millard Fillmore Suburban offers patients the latest surgical technology with an extensive team of expertly trained surgeons performing minimally invasive and robotic surgery. Visit http://surgeryatsuburban.com for complete details of the surgeries being performed at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital that decrease the days spent in the hospital, speed recovery, and decrease pain and scarring compared to traditional surgery. So you can get back to being you - faster.

Surgery

Surgery takes place in an operating room (OR) where a brightly lit, temperature-controlled and sterile environment provides the safest place for procedures. The OR team is led by an expert surgeon and includes nurses, surgical assistants and technologists, anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists.

What to Expect

Nurses will transport you to the OR and help you transfer to an OR bed.

The OR team will help you find a comfortable resting position. Please inform the OR nurses if you have back problems or difficulty lying on your back, so we can take special care in positioning you for your surgery.

The OR temperature is kept low to keep equipment at optimal performance, ensure a sterile environment and for the comfort of the surgical team. You may have a warm blanket if you need it.

A cuff will be placed on your arm to monitor blood pressure.

Pads will be placed on your chest to monitor your heartbeat.

A clip will be placed on your finger to measure the oxygen level in your blood.

Family members are not allowed in the operating room for safety and sterility reasons.

Family

The surgical waiting rooms offer loved ones a calm, comfortable environment in which to wait. Volunteers are in the waiting rooms and serve as liaisons between the medical team and family.

Pain Control

Pain may increase as the anesthesia wears off. All Kaleida Hospitals are committed to managing pain. Please communicate your pain level with your nurse, and don’t hesitate to ask for pain medication to avoid discomfort that may delay your recovery.

Before You Can be Discharged

You must meet certain criteria before you can go home:

Your blood pressure and pulse are stable.

You are able to drink fluids.

You are able to urinate independently.

You are NOT experiencing any nausea or vomiting.

Your incision is not draining or swollen.

You are reasonably comfortable and do not have excessive pain.

You are able to move around without too much assistance.

Care at Home

Be sure to follow the post-operative (after surgery) instructions you are provided. Surgery can be very stressful on the body, so rest is extremely important to recovery.

Below are some tips and helpful information:

Eat lightly for the first 24 hours after the procedure.

Feeling tired, dizzy or nauseous for a day or so following surgery is normal.

You may experience some discomfort at the procedure site.

Contact Your Doctor if:

You have a fever over 101° F.

Your incision becomes more red, swollen or painful.

Your incision bleeds a lot or opens.

You feel too sleepy, dizzy or groggy. (Your medication may be too strong.)

You still have pain one hour after taking pain medication.

You have side effects from your medication such as nausea, vomiting, redness, rash or itching.